Centrino 2 Vs. Montevina

Clearing the Air

Up until now, we had been tossing the words Centrino 2 and Montevina around interchangeably, the latter being an internal code-name reference to the former. Our understanding is that while Montevina is actually Centrino 2, a notebook vendor must use the right processor, chipset and networking solutions in order to call its product Centrino 2.

Unfortunately, those puzzle pieces don’t all yet exist. Intel discovered a problem with its GM45 and GM47 chipset components that could cause system hangs. The issue was purportedly solved with a software fix so that partners could validate their designs. Then, the “Shirley Peak” wireless card was held up by regulatory approval issues. Finally, Intel had to iron out the kinks in its Active Management Technology 4.0 software. The sum of those challenges resulted in a delay to the official Centrino 2 platform.

As a result, Centrino 2 actually launches in early August. The Montevina-based platforms you’ll be able to buy between now and then, which Intel wants its partners to make available so that they can still hit the back-to-school retail cycle, include the six 45 nm Core 2 Duo processors earmarked for Centrino 2, the Mobile PM45 Express chipset (remember that GM45 isn’t quite ready), and an existing wireless networking solution. Not quite enough to garner the Centrino 2 tag, but new enough to accurately be marketed as a Montevina-based configuration.

This is going to be a matter of education. After reading through Intel’s memo to its notebook partners, our takeaway was that notebooks based on Montevina, but without the full complement of Centrino 2 requisites, will not get Centrino 2 branding.

Thats nothing close to a revolutionary upgrade like the core2 from pentium4, only FSB and some memory upgrade on the motherboard; PC6400 is so last year for desktop. Certainly do not deserve the name change, i think just a marketing attempt try to stimulate the sales.

silversoundThats nothing close to a revolutionary upgrade like the core2 from pentium4, only FSB and some memory upgrade on the motherboard; PC6400 is so last year for desktop. Certainly do not deserve the name change, i think just a marketing attempt try to stimulate the sales.

Yeah, fairly underwhelming overall--at least until we see hardware from Intel.

I would like to point out that a Z06 gets better mileage (city and highway) than a GT-R, V8 vs TT V6, while both having very comparable power and lap times depending on the track style. Just putting it out there, because I know quite a few were thinking it. Haha.

mrmessmaI would like to point out that a Z06 gets better mileage (city and highway) than a GT-R, V8 vs TT V6, while both having very comparable power and lap times depending on the track style. Just putting it out there, because I know quite a few were thinking it. Haha.

I'd argue that it depends on how you're driving the car ;-) I have a much easier time burning through a tank in my V8 than I ever did the bi-turbo V6.

Ok, yes many V8 suck a lot of gas often being paired to heavier vehicles. But I would still wager a quality V8 vs a quality twin turbo V6 have very similar appetites. A very nitpicky thing to say, I will admit.

mrmessmaOk, yes many V8 suck a lot of gas often being paired to heavier vehicles. But I would still wager a quality V8 vs a quality twin turbo V6 have very similar appetites. A very nitpicky thing to say, I will admit.

No worries More than anything I was trying to make a brute force vs. finesse analogy--probably could have picked a better subject, but I'm a car guy.

JonnyDough"The Lost World (what a horrible sequel that was)."I'm sorry, is this a blog?If you're going to put your opinion about all sorts of silly things in articles, then please post the article as a BLOG and not some type of news story. I think we (the readers) have been over this.

orangesodazzSo, does this mean that the Compal JHL90 whitebook is strictly Montevina and not Centrino 2?Also, I was wondering if this new centrino 2 platform will support the next batch of cpus beyond the penryn mobile series or will an update be needed like Santa Rosa had. One last question, . Is there any real performance difference between say a t9300 800Mhz FSB and an update t9400 1066Mhz FSB, and maybe even a P9500 1066Mhz FSB?I know these are pretty technical questions and would appreciate any and all responses.

Orange,

You'd need to built the Compal whitebook up using the full complement of Centrino 2 components--it's a Montevina notebook, though.

Re: CPUs: If you're talking about the upcoming Nehalem-based processors, then no, this platform will not be able to support them.

Hopefully we'll know soon enough about the advantages of the faster front side bus. Intel didn't have any hardware ready for the launch, so we still don't know.

mrmessmaI would like to point out that a Z06 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corvette_Z06 gets better mileage (city and highway) than a GT-R, V8 vs TT V6, while both having very comparable power and lap times depending on the track style. Just putting it out there, because I know quite a few were thinking it. Haha.

There are major differences between the Z06 and GTR. for one the Z06 is ~750lbs lighter. The Z06 is also 2wd unlike the GTR's 4wd. Inherently a turbo driven engine will be more fuel efficient if driven at lower throttles since the vehicle will operate as a naturally aspirated smaller engine with less reciprocating inertia, friction, etc. Trim 750lbs and use a rwd only on the GTR and the MPG would most likely tilt toward the GTR.

For example a Caparo T1 with 550hp will run circles around a z06 (and just about everything else)and get 33MPG. Is that because it's 1000lbs lighter than the Z06, you decide.

The analogy as to cpu(s) and chipsets is fair. Since a smaller process cpu or chipset is like a smaller v6 engine. While the increased clock rates yield greater performance, such as boost from a turbo. Turbo has been a cliche term used for computer components for decades so this statement just continues the trend.

graphicsrusI like Intel, but to give them a "pass" on graphics and video is a little incredible without a real review. To give them a pass on it when they are at the center of the Vista graphics class-action lawsuit, have a well known track record of low performance on compatibility and games, and there are reported issues on C2 HD video (AnandTech) amazes me.Intel & Vista: Intel and Sims2: Intel and HD video: Let's please get a system review!

They certainly don't get a pass. Not knowing what the integrated core is capable of, we can't pass judgment one way or another. Absolutely we'll be taking a look at some of the Centrino 2-based platforms once they become available next month.